Cozy Review: Smoking Bun

 

* Books 18 in the Bakeshop Mystery series *

Ramiro's family is visiting Jules and company after the holidays. They are busy planning all sorts of outings. But one of those outings ends in murder. 

And one of the main suspect's is Andy's friend. He asks Jules for her help in solving the murder. She can't turn him down. 

My Thoughts: Although I love a good Christmas book, I enjoyed the fact that this book took place after Christmas and included New Year. I love this series - for the mouth-watering food and the characters. I enjoyed reading more about Ramiro's family - especially the moments between his mom and Jules. I liked the winter traditions in Ashland. It would be a fun place to spend a week! It's always fun to visit Torte and I can't wait to read what's coming next for Jules and her family. 

* Now I'm finally caught up and ready for the next book which comes out in August! 

Review: Muffin But the Truth

 

* Book 16 in the Bakeshop Mystery series * 

Juliet and her team are catering a company retreat. Even before they arrives, Jules wishes she hadn't taken the job. They're looking for glamorous camping food. When the executive arrives, she's not pleased. But the menu is set and there's not much that can be done to change it. 

The first dinner at Torte is tense; the executive has made it very clear that this trip isn't a retreat but a working weekend. Tensions run high among the co-workers. Jules is not looking forward to the rest of the weekend.

Things get worse as the weekend continues. Accidents happen, but the first night seems to work. But the next morning, Jules discovers a body in the river. At first glance, it looks like the executive, but it is not her. Could it be a case of mistaken identity? 

My Thoughts: I really love this series - for the characters, the baked good, and the mystery. I had this one all wrong - I like how mysteries still surprise me. I liked how the setting was set in town, but also not.  The people at the company were all terrible, which made for an entertaining read. And this cozy sets everything up for the next book in the series. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have series for your public library.

Cozy Review: Crime of Passion Fruit

* Book 6 in the Bakeshop Mystery series *

Carlos calls Jules asking her to fill in for a few weeks aboard the ship in between pastry chefs. At first, she says no, but then Carlos offers her mother and the professor a free vacation. After scrambling to make sure everything's covered at Torte, the three of them leave for a vacation.

Jules enjoys returning to the ship, although not the long days. Her staff's amazing and they whip some thousands of desserts. Early one morning on a walk about the deck, Jules spots a body in the pool. It's the same woman she's been seeing in odd places all over the ship. The professor takes on the case, asking questions about the ship and seeing what Jules might be able to overhear.

With more people acting suspiciously, Jules isn't sure what to make of the crew. They certainly have their secrets. Could one of them committed murder?

My Thoughts: I really love this series - it makes my mouth water and it makes me want to whip up a delicious sweet. I loved seeing Jules on the ship for the first time. It helped me understand more about her former life. I liked learning more about the ship and the way things work. I loved being in the kitchen with the chefs. I loved the personal moments with Jules and her mother and the professor. I enjoyed seeing more of Carlos. While I enjoyed the variation on the setting, I'm eager to get back to Torte. I can't wait for the next book in the series out in January. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: My library

Library Recommendation: A winner of a series perfect for public libraries, especially those who gobble up foodie books. 

Mini Review: The Protector

Book 2 in the Sons of Texas trilogy

This book continues the saga of the uncovering their father's kidnapping and how it relates to their past troubles.

The Good:
The story continues from another son's prospective
And the pilot
Romance
Danger
Secrets
Understanding more of the past.

The Bad:
We didn't get too much of the other siblings in this book (but really just nitpicking)

I'm happy I just picked up the third book from the library so I can finish it!

Recommendation: Get this series!

Adult Review: The Hero

 * First in a new trilogy *

Owen hasn't been home in years - and neither have his two brothers. But when tragedy strikes, all three of them are pulled from their elite military jobs and sent back to Texas. Family members killed and their father kidnapped. He and his brothers are to recover the missing item and their father. But what Owen didn't count on was seeing this high school sweetheart - the one he let escape the military life.

Natalie isn't about to let Owen back into her heart - nor is she going to let him control the mission. His father came to her for a reason and now there's a price on her head. She's going to do what she can to help out - even if the memories come rushing back and all she wants to do is turn back time.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I'm so looking forward to the next one in the trilogy and I can't wait to get to know the brothers better. I feel terrible for them - for the tragedy in their past. I like watching them heal. I like watching them kick butt even more. I loved the way Natalie handled herself - even when she was scared, she moved quickly and wanted to help out. I love second chance stories and I didn't want to put this one down. 

Cover Thoughts: Strong
Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Perfect for your romance collections - grab this one!

Confession: I haven't read too many romantic thrillers - do you have any recommendations for me?

Cozy Review: Fudge and Jury

 * Book 5 in the Bakeshop Mystery series *

Jules and her mother have projects in the work: a new remodeling, new ovens for the bakeshop, a possible expansion for the bakeshop, and a chocolate festival to prepare for. Jules has the schedule down, but it's going to take a lot of work, but everything will be worth it. They're hoping to make a big splash for Torte at the chocolate festival; some very big names will be there.

One of the biggest names in the chocolate world dies after eating Jules's treat. He was severely allergic to nuts, but there were no nuts in her chocolate. Could it have been murder? Evan wasn't the nicest guy, but his last words hint at a deadly demise. Will his death stop the chocolate festival or can Jules help solve his murder?

My Thoughts: I really adore this series. I love the forward movement with the bakeshop and all the improvements going into the shop. If I lived in this town, I would frequent this bakeshop, everything sounds so amazing! I loved the Chocolate Festival, although reading about all the prep work made me crave chocolate something fierce! I loved the creating (baking and decorating) of the treats in this book. It did make me want to make something delicious. I liked learning about the other vendors at the chocolate festival and their products. I did guess the culprit and the weapon earlier than the main character. I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next for Jules and for Torte. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: my Library

Mysterious Saturday Review: Caught Bread Handed

 * Book 4 in the Bakeshop Mystery Series * 

Drama comes to Ashland - in the form of Jules's husband and in a new restaurant. Jules isn't sure what to do about her relationship. Should she forgive Carlos? Should they be reunited? She loves seeing him in her hometown, but is that enough?

The new restaurant in town is making everyone miserable. A fast food joint shouldn't be part of the community, especially without blending into the Shakespeare theme. When the owner is found dead - suspicions arise on the angry business owners.

Jules walked in after the murder. With so many people angry at the victim, it's going to hard looking for just one person who committed the crime.  

My  Thoughts: I really love this series - I love the town, the people, and the bakeshop. I love how Jules is torn between Carlos and the town and what direction her life will take. I love the new ideas for the bakeshop, especially for the chocolate festival (which means I can't wait to read the next book). With all the food describe, this book makes my mouth water. I admit that I enjoyed learning more about Carlos. I'm starting to warm up to him a bit more. A fantastic addition to the series.

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for cozy sections at all public libraries.

Mysterious Saturday Review: Fatally Frosted

When Suzanne Hart agreed to help out her friend in a showcasing extraordinarily kitchens tour in North Carolina, she doesn't imagine that the day will end in murder. However, just as the tour kicks off and she's showcasing her own donut making skills, the chair of the event dies in the backyard of her host.

Next to the body rests a lemon jelly donut - from Suzanne's own shop. It appears to have poison mixed with the frosting. It's no secret Suzanne didn't like Peg, but she didn't kill her. Still, the police are investigating her and everyone knows they've torn apart her shop looking for evidence.

How will she be able to keep her store going if people think the donuts are poisoned? Suzanne knows for the sake of her store, she must launch her own investigation.

Not many people liked the prickly Peg and the list of suspects grows longer every day. Can Suzanne and her best friend Grace uncover vital information that will lead them to the killer without leading the killer to them?

My Thoughts: I love this series - for the fresh donut twist (which always makes me CRAVE donuts), the insider's look on how to make donuts, the romance between Suzanne and an officer, and Suzanne's relationships with those closest to her.

The Cover: Delicious - Love it!

Source: Purchased

Titles: LOVE them - super fun!

Up Next in November: I can't wait to read it!